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Why you should visit Banteay Srei

One of the less
well-known temples of the ancient Angkor complex, Banteay Srei offers an interesting contrast to the typical architecture found at Angkor. The pretty
little temple is a short distance further from Siem Reap than most of the other
temples, but is definitely worth the extra effort.

While Angkor Wat
is the most famous temple of South East Asia and Angkor Thom was made
famous by the Tomb Raider movies, Banteay Srei has
been somewhat overlooked.

How is it
different from the other Angkor temples?

Unlike most of
the Angkor structures, Benteay Srei was not built by a king, but by a courtier.
Constructed in the 10th century the temple was dedicated to the
Hindu god Shiva.

Banteay Srei means
‘citadel of women’ or ‘citadel of beauty’ and it is remarkable for the
intricate detail of its carvings. These include impressive historical combat
scenes, mystical creatures like toothy Kala who represents the passage of time,
devatas (standing female deities) and dvarapalas (human or demonic and armed
temple guardians).

Devata, Banteay Srei, Cambodia

The temple has a
unique appearance because it is built of pink sandstone. Its layout is in three
neat concentric enclosures, featuring several pediments and lintels that are
still in tact. It is compact and surrounded by a moat.

Much restoration
work has been completed to return the temple to its former glory. A drainage
system was introduced to prevent water damage and some trees threatening the
complex were removed.

Battle scene on a pediment, Banteay Srei, Cambodia

Why is it
special?

While Banteay
Srei is not as grand as some of the larger temples, such as Angkor Wat, it is
very interesting for the level of detail that can still be seen. The artwork in
the sculpture is fascinating and, for the most part, fairly easy to make out.
Every corner seems to reveal a new treasure to inspect and decipher, which is
endlessly fascinating. The pink sandstone is also brighter and more inviting
than the grey rock of other temples. Being compact, while not so impressive on
an architectural scale perhaps, made Banteay Srei an intimate and
straightforward temple to visit.

Banteay Srei, Cambodia

Banteay Srei is
unique in that, while incredibly detailed, it doesn’t feel as ‘showy’ as some
of the other temples at Angkor. It really rewards visitors that invest time in
exploring the temple in close detail. It is not unimaginable of course that the
Angkor kings, when building their temples, felt the need to make a
representation of immense power.

Whatever the
kings’ motives, each temple in the Angkor complex is impressive for its own
reasons, but Banteay Srei is my favourite. Is there an Angkor temple that
appealed more to you than the others? If so, which one?